Portable Back Support for Beach Chair

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate generally to a Beach Back cushion operable to attach to the lower back portion of a beach chair comprising a water resistant exterior cover; a rectangular memory foam interior material; and two straps attached to opposite sides of the Beach Back cushion, the straps operable to attach the Beach Back cushion to a beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion is at least 3 inches in depth when uncompressed and at least 1.5 inches in depth when compressed; the Beach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16 inches; the Beach Back cushion comprises a height of approximately 8 inches; the straps comprises a first strap and a second strap operable to attach to one another via clips; and at least one clip is operable to slide along at least one strap to adjust the total length of the attached straps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Many chairs, particularly foldable beach chairs, comprise fabric backsand/or plastic straps that may not provide any sort of lower backsupport. Beach chairs may be designed for easy transport, and for waterresistance, and therefore may comprise minimal support elements. Users,particularly those with lower back pain or other issues, may not becomfortable sitting in a beach chair for very long due to the lack ofsupport elements on the beach chair.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a Beach Backcushion operable to attach to a chair comprising a water resistantexterior cover; a cushioned interior material; and at least one strapoperable to attach the Beach Back cushion to a beach chair, wherein theBeach Back cushion is at least 3 inches in depth when uncompressed andat least 1.5 inches in depth when compressed.

In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a width ofapproximately 16 inches. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushioncomprises a height of approximately 8 inches. In some embodiments, theBeach Back cushion comprises a depth of approximately 5.5 inches whenuncompressed. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises adepth of approximately 2.5 inches when compressed. In some embodiments,the Beach Back cushion comprises a depth between approximately 1.5inches and 5.5 inches. In some embodiments, the strap comprises a firststrap and a second strap operable to attach to one another via clips. Insome embodiments, at least one clip is operable to slide along at leastone strap to adjust the total length of the attached straps. In someembodiments, each of the straps comprises a length between approximately12 inches and 24 inches. In some embodiments, the straps comprise atotal length between approximately 12 inches and 36 inches. In someembodiments, the Beach Back comprises a logo on one or more of itssides. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion is operable to beattached to the lower back portion of the beach chair. In someembodiments, the cushioned interior comprises memory foam.

Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a BeachBack cushion operable to attach to the lower back portion of a beachchair comprising a water resistant exterior cover; a cushioned interiormaterial; and at least one strap operable to attach the Beach Backcushion to a beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion is at least 3inches in depth when uncompressed and at least 1.5 inches in depth whencompressed; the Beach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16inches; the Beach Back cushion comprises a height of approximately 8inches; the strap comprises a first strap and a second strap operable toattach to one another via clips; and at least one clip is operable toslide along at least one strap to adjust the total length of theattached straps.

In some embodiments, the Beach Back may comprise a logo on one or moreof its sides. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion is operable tobe folded into a foldable beach chair. In some embodiments, the strapscomprise a total length between approximately 12 inches and 36 inches.In some embodiments, the clips comprise plastic hook and release clips.In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a rectangularshape. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion may be operable toprovide seating comfort; allow for easier ingress and egress of thechair; lessen the potential for lower back pain for a variety of chairheights; provide lumber support to a user sitting in the beach chair;and allows user to sit for longer periods of time without lower backpain, provides natural support for lordotic pain sufferers. In someembodiments, the position of Beach Back may be adjustable on the back ofthe beach chair for vertical placement to maximize individual comfortand support, and wherein the Beach Back cushion is lightweight for easytransport.

Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a Beach Backcushion operable to attach to the lower back portion of a beach chaircomprising: a water resistant exterior cover; a rectangular o foaminterior material; and two straps attached to opposite sides of theBeach Back cushion, the straps operable to attach the Beach Back cushionto a beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion is at least 3 inches indepth when uncompressed and at least 1.5 inches in depth whencompressed; the Beach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16inches; the Beach Back cushion comprises a height of approximately 8inches; the straps comprises a first strap and a second strap operableto attach to one another via clips; and at least one clip is operable toslide along at least one strap to adjust the total length of theattached straps.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, referenceis now made to the following brief description, taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein likereference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a Beach Back cushion in accordancewith our new design;

FIG. 1B is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 1C is a side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 1D is an alternate side elevation view thereof, showing the sideopposing that shown in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1E is a top elevation view thereof;

FIG. 1F is a bottom elevation view thereof;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the Beach Back cushion; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the Beach Back cushion installed on abeach chair (where the chair is optional).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrativeimplementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, thedisclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number oftechniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. Thedisclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrativeimplementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout theapplication:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should beinterpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and thelike generally mean that the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic following the phrase may be included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more thanone embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,”it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;

The terms “about” or approximately” or the like, when used with anumber, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range inproximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill inthe art field; and

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,”“optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other suchlanguage) be included or have a characteristic, that particularcomponent or feature is not required to be included or to have thecharacteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included insome embodiments, or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the disclosure include devices for supporting a user'sback while seated in a chair, specifically a beach chair. The devicesmay comprise a Beach Back cushion operable to be attached to a beachchair and placed at the lower back section of the chair. The Beach Backcomprise a waterproof fabric cover, a foam (memory foam) interior, andadjustable attachment means, such as straps and clips. The Beach Backmay be removably attached to a chair, and may be moved between chairs.The Beach Back may be operable to be folded up within a folding beachchair, and may not impede the folding of the chair. The Beach Back maycomprise various sizes and depths to fit various user requirements andchair styles. The Beach Back may comprise a logo attached to one or moresides of the Beach Back. In some cases, the Beach Back may comprise ahook assembly to allow for hanging of the Beach Back. In some cases, theBeach Back may comprise a tag or label illustrating the benefits of theBeach Back cushion and/or demonstrating the use of the Beach Back, suchas attaching to a beach chair. In some embodiments, the Beach Back maybe used in another setting, such as any venue where back support islimited but necessary or desired, such as airports/airplanes.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1D, different views of the Beach Back areshown. The Beach Back 100 may comprise a first face 102, a second face104, a first side 106, a second side 108, a third side 110, and a fourthside 112. The Beach Back 100 may comprise a rectangular shape. In sonicembodiments, an attachment means may be attached to the Beach Back 100.In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D, the attachment means may comprisestraps 120. In some embodiments, the straps 120 may comprise a firststrap 123 and a second strap 124. The straps 120 may also comprise clips122 for attaching the straps around the back of a chair. In someembodiments, the straps 120 may comprise non-slip nylon straps. In someembodiments, one or more of the clips 122 may be able to slide along thestrap 120 to adjust the fit around a chair. In sonic embodiments, theclips 122 may comprise a hook and release. In some embodiments, theclips 122 may comprise durable plastic clips.

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the Beach Back 100. The Beach Back100 may be portable and designed for use at the beach. Therefore, theBeach Back 100 may comprise a water resistant or waterproof exteriormaterial. Additionally, the straps 120 may be designed to be waterresistant or waterproof. The Beach Back 100 may comprise a cushionedinterior, operable to conform to the lower back of a user, providinglumbar support that may be lacking in a chair on its own. The Beach Back100, by supporting the lower back of a user, may promote better postureand provide comfort for users with lower back pain or issues.

FIG. 3 illustrates a Beach Back 100 installed onto a beach chair 300.The Beach Back 100 may be designed to be lightweight and easy to carryor move. Also, the Beach Back 100 may be attached to a foldable chair300 and may be folded with the chair 300, remaining attached to thechair 300. The Beach Back 100 may be operable to attach to a variety ofchairs 300, included different styles, shapes, and sizes of chairs.

The curvature of an average person's back is approximately 1 to 2inches. The range compromise (or curvature) on a sample of beach chairswas determined to be approximately 1 to 2.625 inches, as shown inTable 1. This means that the total distance between the lower back of auser and the back of the chair, if a user is sitting with correctposture, is approximately 2 to 4.625 inches. Therefore the Beach Back100 may be designed to make up for that space, and may comprise athickness (or depth) that ranges from approximately 1.5 and 5.5 inches,depending on the compression on the Beach Back 100. The compromise maybe determined may measuring the depth of the curvature of the back ofthe beach chair.

TABLE 1 Beach Back Chair Research Sample Chair Sizes and Amount ofSeating Compromise on Lower Back Chair Dimensions Seat Back Back LowerBack Chair Brand Style Height Height Width Compromise Beach High Back/11.0 28.0 20.0 2.250 Chair A Medium Rise Beach High Back/ 10.5 27.0 20.02.125 Chair B Medium Rise Beach High Back/ 11.0 26.0 19.5 1.500 Chair CMedium Rise Beach High Back/ 10.0 26.0 20.5 2.625 Chair D Medium RiseBeach High Back/ 12.0 27.0 20.0 2.125 Chair E High Rise Beach High Back/14.0 28.0 20.5 1.000 Chair F High Rise Beach High Back/ 13.0 26.0 20.52.000 Chair G High Rise Average 11.643 26.857 20.143 1.946

The addition of the Beach Back 100 to the back of a beach chair willcompensate for the lower back compromise of the chair. By adding theBeach Back 100 to the chair, the lower back of a user will be supported,improving posture and comfort. The thickness of the Beach Back 100 maybe chosen based on the preferences of the user, as well as the specificbeach chair being used. Particularly, users with a history of backproblems or back surgeries may be benefited by the extra support fortheir lower back.

In some embodiments, the Beach Back 100 may be approximately 16 incheswide (along sides 106 and 108), approximately 8 inches in height (alongsides 110 and 112). In some embodiments, the Beach Back 100 may beapproximately 3 inches deep uncompressed (between face 102 and face104). In some embodiments, the Beach Back 100 may be approximately 5.5inches deep uncompressed (between face 102 and face 104). In someembodiments, the Beach Back 100 may be approximately 1.5 inches deepwhen compressed, such as by a user's back. In some embodiments, theBeach Back 100 may be approximately 2.5 inches deep when compressed,such as by a user's hack. In some embodiments, the depth of the BeachBack 100 may vary between 1.5 inches and 5.5 inches depending on thedesign of the Beach Back 100 and depending on the level of compressionon the Beach Back 100, wherein face 102 may be compressed toward face104 (or vice versa).

In some embodiments, the straps 120 may be between 12 inches and 24inches long. In some embodiments, the straps 120 may be differentlengths, wherein one strap may be 12 inches long and one strap may be 24inches long. In some embodiments, the clips 122 may be moved along thelength of the straps 120 to adjust the total length of the strap 120when the clips 122 are connected. In some embodiments, the Beach Back100 may comprise a logo on one or more of the sides.

The interior material of the Beach Back 100 may be designed to be formfitting and adjust to the back of the user. In sonic embodiments, theinterior of the Beach Back 100 may comprise memory foam. In someembodiments, the interior may comprise an inflatable bladder in additionto the memory foam. The inflatable bladder may be adjusted by the userto customize the firmness and/or thickness of the Beach Back 100. Insonic embodiments, the interior may comprise only an inflatable bladder.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and theteachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein arerepresentative only and are not intended to be limiting. Manyvariations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are withinthe scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result fromcombining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s)are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope ofprotection is not limited by the description set out above, but isdefined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalentsof the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim isincorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claimsare embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, anyadvantages and features described above may relate to specificembodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claimsto processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the aboveadvantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided forconsistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwiseprovide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit orcharacterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue fromthis disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although theheadings might refer to a “Field,” the claims should not be limited bythe language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field.Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to beconstrued as an admission that certain technology is prior art to anyinvention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered as a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forthin issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to“invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there isonly a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventionsmay be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claimsissuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define theinvention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby, in allinstances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their ownmerits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by theheadings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of,consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of theterm “optionally,” “may,” “might,” “possibly,” and the like with respectto any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required,or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives beingwithin the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples aremerely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to beexclusive.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure,it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may beembodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spiritor scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is notto be limited to the details given herein. For example, the variouselements or components may be combined or integrated in another systemor certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating witheach other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through someinterface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically,mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions,and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could bemade without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

1. A Beach Back cushion operable to attach to a foldable beach chaircomprising: a water resistant or waterproof exterior cover; a cushionedinterior material; and at least one strap operable to attach the BeachBack cushion to a hack section of the beach chair, wherein the BeachBack cushion is configured to not interfere with folding of the beachchair despite removable attachment to the foldable beach chair using theat least one strap.
 2. The Beach Back cushion of claim 1, wherein theBeach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16 inches.
 3. TheBeach Back cushion of claim 1, wherein the Beach Back cushion comprisesa height of approximately 8 inches.
 4. The Beach Back cushion of claim2, wherein the Beach Back cushion comprises a thickness depth ofapproximately 3.0-5.5 inches when uncompressed.
 5. The Beach Backcushion of claim 4, wherein the Beach Back cushion comprises a thicknessdepth of approximately 1.5-2.5 inches when compressed.
 6. The Beach Backcushion of claim 1, wherein when in use the Beach Back cushion comprisesa thickness depth between approximately 1.5 inches and 5.5 inches,depending on the amount of compression on the Beach Back cushion by auser sitting with respect to the cushion.
 7. The Beach Back cushion ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one strap comprises a first strap and asecond strap operable to attach to one another via clips.
 8. The BeachBack cushion of claim 7, wherein at least one clip is operable to slidealong at least one strap to adjust the total length of the attachedstraps.
 9. The Beach Back cushion of claim 7, wherein each of the strapscomprises a length between approximately 12 inches and 24 inches. 10.The Beach Back cushion of claim 7, wherein the straps comprise a totallength between approximately 12 inches and 36 inches.
 11. The. BeachBack cushion of claim 1, wherein the Beach Back cushion is operable tobe folded into the beach chair as the foldable beach chair is folded.12. The Beach Back cushion of claim 1, wherein the Beach Back cushionconfigured to allow attachment to the back section of the foldable beachchair while fitting between a frame of the foldable beach chair in orderto not interfere with folding of the beach chair, and is configured witha depth that does not interfere with folding up of the beach chairdespite attachment of the cushion to the back section of the foldablebeach chair.
 13. The Beach Back cushion of claim 1, wherein thecushioned interior material comprises memory foam or an inflatablebladder operable to adjust the firmness or thickness of the Beach Backcushion.
 14. A Beach Back cushion operable to attach to a foldable beachchair comprising: a water resistant or waterproof exterior cover; acushioned interior material within the cover; and at least one strapattached to the cover and operable to removably attach the Beach Backcushion to the beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion comprises athickness depth between approximately 1.5 inches and 5.5 inches,depending on the amount of compression on the Beach Back cushion by auser sitting with respect to the cushion; the Beach Back cushioncomprises a width of approximately 16 inches; the Beach Back cushioncomprises a height of approximately 8 inches; the at least one strapcomprises a first strap and a second strap operable to attach to oneanother via clips; at least one clip is operable to slide along at leastone strap to adjust the total length of the attached straps; and theBeach Back cushion is configured to allow removable attachment to a backsection of the foldable beach chair while fitting between a frame of thefoldable beach chair in order to not interfere with folding of the beachchair, and is configured with a depth that does not interfere withfolding up of the beach chair despite attachment of the cushion to theback section of the foldable beach chair.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The BeachBack cushion of claim 14, wherein the position of Beach Back isadjustable on the back section of the beach chair for vertical placementto maximize individual comfort and support, and wherein the Beach Backcushion is lightweight for easy transport.
 17. The Beach Back cushion ofclaim 14, wherein the Beach Back cushion is operable to be folded intothe foldable beach chair without impeding the folding of the beachchair, even while the Beach Back cushion remains attached to thefoldable beach chair.
 18. The Beach Back cushion of claim 14, *hereinthe clips comprise plastic hook and release clips.
 19. (canceled) 20.(canceled)
 21. The Beach Back cushion of claim 1 wherein the cushionedinterior material comprises memory foam and an inflatable bladderoperable to adjust the firmness or thickness of the Beach Back cushion.22. The Beach Back cushion of claim 14 wherein the cushioned interiormaterial comprises memory foam and an inflatable bladder operable toadjust the firmness or thickness of the Beach Back cushion.
 23. TheBeach Back cushion of claim i wherein the Beach Back cushion comprises awidth of 19.5 inches or less.